A Longitudinal Examination of Veteran Well-Being during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Background and Purpose: Understanding the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the well-being of vulnerable populations is essential in planning for care post pandemic and preparing for future pandemics. One such population often overlooked during the COVID-19 pandemic is veterans, whose military service often results in physical and psychological effects that creates vulnerability to the impacts of COVID-19. The purpose of this research was to examine potential changes in mental health and well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: Data was collected in two phases to examine well-being over time. The first data collection took place from the end of June 2020 through August 2020 and the second from November 2020 through December 2020. Veterans who previously participated in research studies were sent an email invitation to participate in an online survey. Veterans who were receiving services from a nationwide veteran provider were also invited to participate. Data were collected on mental health and well-being, including PTSD, anxiety, depression, suicide ideation, loneliness, social support and insomnia.

Results: The final sample comprised on of 134 veterans. The sample was predominantly male (81%) and white (44%). Mean age was 57 years (SD = 15.87). Over half of the sample (57%) served prior to 9/11 while 43% served post 9/11. Paired samples t-tests were used to compare study variables from data collection at time points one and two. There were significant differences in scores for loneliness from time one (M = 4.99, SD = 2.14) and time two (M = 7.00, SD = 2.98); -11.79(125), p = .000. There were also significant differences in scores for social support from time one (M = 20.66, SD = 6.25) and time two (M = 19.90, SD = 6.15); 2.11(124), p = .037. No significant differences were found in mean scores of PTSD, depression, anxiety, and insomnia. While 10.5 percent of the sample reported having thoughts of suicide at time one, this increased significantly to 20 percent of the sample at time two.

Conclusions and Implications: Findings indicate significant challenges to well-being over time during the covid-19 pandemic. Veterans indicated increased loneliness and decreased social support during the study. The number of veterans who reported thoughts of self-harm increased significantly from time one to time two, however, these changes were not associated with significant changes in mental health status. Results indicate that the COVID-19 consequence of increased isolation may be making veterans more vulnerable to suicidal thoughts. Although continuing to address the mental health care needs of veterans will be important post-pandemic, equally important will be addressing the rebuilding of relationships and social connection. Social work practitioners must ensure to assess loneliness and social support in their practice with veterans. Further it will be important for social workers to be prepared to intervene with veterans who have experienced several social network disruptions, and identify those experiencing difficulty reestablishing relationships.

Please note this was submitted to the military division under “suicide and homelessness” as there was no topical area specific to behavioral/mental/physical health in service members and veterans.